JUPITER, Fla. -– To say John Maine is in a groove right now would be an understatement.

The Mets’ young right-hander was masterful again this afternoon, scattering three hits and striking out six in five scoreless innings here against the Marlins. Maine has now pitched 10 consecutive scoreless innings over his past three starts, lowering his spring ERA to 2.63.

Maine was so crisp after giving up a leadoff double to Hanley Ramirez that he threw 10 pitches on the side after coming out just to reach his scheduled pitch count.

Maine gave way after five innings to Scott Schoeneweis in a game the Mets went on to win handily, 8-2.